Direct2Dell

I ordered an D-E520 Itel duelcore in june... specifically ask for a sound card to do karaoke which had 'play what you hear' to sing and play music at say time...  I just got moved in a new home and fired up the machine and it's got an intigrated generic card in it with no functions and the media player when playing a song stops/glitches out at the end of each song.

I'v downloaded reinstalled drivers but no good... now dell can't do a diognosis due to me being on dialup and wont fix it eventhough i bought the 3yr protection/antiV and all... They want me to upgrade the card, but their website has only one $99 card thats compatable with my vista machine and it has no specs shown...

my 5th dell... my last

Tim

You are right Steph.

I have got my Inspiron Pre installed with Vista, when I downgraded to Xp, creative soundblaster software is not working.

 The give CD is only compatible with Vista only.

AIR CARD for XPS M1210

When I bought my Dell directly from the company in June '07 I explained to the representative that I wanted everything available on my computer, to be able to travel easily with it, and most of all that I wanted to use an air card to get online when traveling and parked in a spot that has no wireless available. 

So far, I've been unable to find an air card that fits into the 'slot' or that will work in my rural area like my cell phone does.   I don't want to put an aircard into the USB port, and already have ONE air card, but it won't fit into my new computer.  I ordered the computer so I would have it to use on vacation, ....... took it along, but without an air card.  

 Does anyone KNOW for certain of an air card (so that the computer dials up  like a cell phone without finding a hot spot) that will fit into the odd-shaped smaller slot on my new XPS M1210 w/Vista?

I know that Dell tells me a few of the larger wireless companies have it, but when I go into their stores, they don't know what I'm talking about. 

What would be nice would be if there were an 'adapter' to let me use the air card I have now on my new Dell. 

Thanks to any responses.

Why is everyone so anxious to switch to Vista?  The fact is that Vista is not a stable operating environment at the present time.  It is larger, slower, and less capable than XP.  Furthermore, there are a large number of technical issues that won't be solved even with the release of the first service pack.  Before you switch to Vista, read the reviews written by those who have used Vista for a prolonged period.  My husband who is a software engineer has had a great deal of fun solving the problems caused by Vista on both home and office machines.  Newest isn't always best, so think twice and take the time to read reviews.  Particularly before you mess up your computer with Vista and ask a friend or family member who is a computer professional to do you a favor and "fix" it.

I applaud Dell for continuing to sell PC's with XP as an operating system.  It is one of the main reasons we encourage friends and business contacts to buy Dells at the present time. 

I have the sound blaster audigy advanced MB, I am trying to reinstall it on my inspiron but when I am redirected to the creative webpage to activate my software it says "Your Activation Key for this software is expired. Please contact Customer Support for assistance. " I boght my laptop on november 2006 and I think that this software cannot be expired, can anybody help me?

 THANX

I recieved an combatable error about Sonic solutions DLA Failer for Roxio. Can you tell me the download so i can get things swingin again.

I'm having issues with using the creative options on DELL XPS 400 after an upgrade to Vista.  I keep getting Error - Error loading CTMBHA.DLL Invalid access to memory location.  Are there driver updates?

Atinder Panesar

I seemed to have no problems with my upgrade and it seemed to run smoothly. Go to this dell website and you will be directed to an area where they can help

I received my Vista upgrade almost a month ago.  After plenty of investigated and then lots of tweaking I think I have it running maybe even a little faster than XP.  That’s all fine and dandy but here is the real problem.  I am a bit of audiophile and use my computer primarily my musical needs.  I was more than happy with the sound I was getting from XP with the Sound Blaster X-FI soundcard and my Logitech Z-5500 speaker system.   All of which I paid plenty of hard earned money for to get the best sound I could out of my computer.  With upgrading to Vista I evidentially gave up some of that great sound quality I had with XP.  I would seem that the Creative drivers need plenty of work.  It would also seem that Creative is not THX Certified using Vista.  Or, maybe they are and Dell is not allowing us this privilege.  

I put a call in the Dell Customer Support to see if they could help and ended up running out of free time that particular day, you know we all have lives, families and more important things that have to be done in our everyday lives than dealing with Dell’s incompetent support people.  The support person was nice enough to schedule a date and time to call me back when I would have plenty of free time to work on the problem.  Well, wouldn’t you know it, they never called.  No big surprise to me, just another episode in Dell’s Vista debacle.  My next step is to contact Creative and see if their Customer Support can help me.  I have given up on Dell’s ability to assist with anything. 

Admittedly I am happy with Vista as an Operating System.  Yes there are some compatibility issues.  But, I feel as if Dell should have been more open and honest with these types of issues when they sent out the upgrades.  Heck, I would have even been willing to wait much longer had Dell made an effort to contact us and explain some of these things.  I also feel the majority of Dell’s customers would have also felt the same way.  Had Dell tried to do a little damage control by reaching out to the thousands if not millions of customers who paid for the upgrade we might actually end up being ‘’return customers’’.  I am sure ‘’return customer’’ is a term Dell will not be very familiar with in the next few years.

Hi páid,

You are not the only one left here without a copy of Vista. I ordered mine on the 23rd January and my status is still stuck at in process. I have sent quite a few Emails to Dell as well and had no response at all. I hoping they can come good and deliver. After all it is the end of May today so if they plan to extend the expected delivery date then that will make alot of people not very happy including myself.

 Cheers
Sachie

Hurrah!!!!!

My upgrade arrived today. After waiting for six months DHL just arrived at my door with a parcel (18th May). Well done Dell!

Whoever is responsible for this fiasco should be fired and Michael Dell should be writing to all the affected customer and apologising.

 CHRIS

je je...

I received the upgrade, the Windows XP Media Center that came installed with the E520 was in Spanish (of course I'm in Spain). Dell sent an Spanish Windows Vista upgrade kit, the marvelous Wizard uninstalled some programs (Roxio DE, I miss you) in order to upgrade the system. When the Vista installer started "You cannot upgrade because a language mismatch". I figured out thet there is no XP Media Center in Spanish (it had an Spanish language pack) so it is impossible to upgrade from XP Media Center to Vista Spanish. ¿Why did the Spanish Dell wizard tell me that the machine was ready?

Then, I installed from scratch. A nightmare, the NEC DVD-Drive crashed Vista many times (fixed with a firmware fix), then Sleep mode hangs the machine, it stays with the numbers "3 4" in the front pannel and I have to cut power to the PC in order to be able to start the machine again.

I wasted a day with this upgrade and it is not working properly. I'm an IT guy, ¿what should expect an average user?.

I'm still waiting too.........................................

When will i get an answer, 8 months and not a word since purchase

Back in feb. you said were being delivered

then in march

then in april

then in may

then in.....

When is it going to come

Oh and i live in europe on a island beside the uk

called Ireland heard of it?

With so many asking for xp instead you should have more copys available

^^^^^^

am having the same problem, Dell is just a joke, plain and simple, i just finished sending a nasty email to whoever is in charge at customer service. I hate to be a jerk but I think things could go a lot smoother if you were routed to somewhere in the US when you talk to someone, instead of India and Africa, they simply do not know what they are talking about.  

In my opinion Dell have been deceitful because if i knew it would take this long, i would never have ordered the "express upgrade", i could have just popped to the shop and had it ages ago !!!!!!!

I did not receive my upgrade either, it's been 2 months of 'pending' and 1 month of 'in process'

Seriously, I will not ever purchase anything from dell again. It's even called an 'express upgrade'... how ironic.
 

Recieved my vista upgrade which was fine. The problem i have is with the activation key which according to Creative is a DEMO version.....Do you thinkanyone at DELL can or will or at lease try and help NO......At the time of purchase i bought the full version of AUDIGY ADVANCED MB....After reinstalling a number of times it tells me my KEY HAS EXPIRED.....FED UP TALKING TO PEOPLE ON THE PHONE WHO KNOW NOTHING...

Even same problem if i go back to XP..........all i need and want is the ACTIVATION KEY I PAID FOR SO I CAN GET SUPPORT FROM CREATIVE.......

I have called the dell Vista Upgrade support line multiple times, each time about 2 - 3 weeks apart in the past 3 months.  Each time I call they keep saying that I should recieve my copy in 1-2-3 weeks depending on each call.  I was even told on the last support call that it had already been shipped.  When I asked them how they knew it was shipped and to tell me the date shipped, they had no answer.  Here I am yet again, 2 weeks after being told I would recieve it in 2 weeks, with no vista upgrade cds.  I registered for the upgrade very early as well (either late November or early December). 

 I will not be buying from Dell again due to this pathetic customer service.  This OS has been out to the general public for nearly 3 months already.   

You can keep Vista, no plans on buying it. Not worth the aggravation (ie bad drivers, full of CPU/memory sapping DRM, inefficient processor sapping eye candy, ridiculous licensing scheme etc). Looked good on paper when MS announced it.........

No plans to deploy it across our enterprise either. In any case, save yourselves and your customers some grief and dump Vista! Maybe if everyone ignores it MS might come up with a real upgrade!
 

DELL MISSES ANOTHER DEADLINE! 

 Sent to me on 3-27-07:

Thank you for your interest in the Dell Express Upgrade Program for Microsoft Windows Vista.

The Microsoft Windows Vista Software Kits orders are shipping in the order that they were received, and we expect to ship all of the pre-ordered Vista Upgrade units world wide by April 15, 2007.

An email will also be sent including the carrier tracking number once your Express Upgrade to Windows Vista™ has been shipped.

 Sincerely,

Dell and Microsoft, the solution to calm everybody was so simple: mail us a link to download the .iso of the OEM DVD. But having no respect for your customers...
 

You wouldn't believe how many new Dell machines that came with Vista pre-installed and I was asked to delete it and buy a copy of XP and install it for them! The machines run faster and are more stable and compatible with so much more than while they ran Vista. If you haven't upgraded to Vista, just be thankful and remember once you upgrade to Vista, your XP key is dead forever, no going back.

I have the same DHL tracking number problem.  It has been two weeks since I received the email stating the Vista upgrade had shipped and DHL says tracking number is not found.  Two phone calls to Dell and they promised to email me a good tracking number and then nothing for over a week.  Dell, what is going on here???

I believe there are many of us in the same situation.  I purchased an XPS 410 in October, registered for the Vista Upgrade, waited and waited until finally receiving an email that my upgrade had shipped.  I was charged the $10.73 and only then found that nothing had ever really shipped under the provided DHL tracking number.  I have posted on the discussion boards and recieved promises that someone would contact me with no contact ever happening; I emailed the Dell customer advocate and never received a reply; I have called the Vista Upgrade phone number with promises that someone would return my call within 3 to 5 business days with no return call ever happening, I have emailed the appropriate Upgrade address and received a reply that action would be taken to fix the problem with no action ever happening.  I find it particularly strange that in all my years of dealing with Dell, this is the first and only instance where a case number was not issued when a problem occurs.  When I asked about this during my latest futile phone call, I was told that a case number could not be issued and that the "technician" on the phone could only "read what was on her script".  What was the message on her script I asked (already knowing what it was, but wanting to hear it one more time), she replied, "someone will be calling you back in 3 to 5 business days." 

i have changed my credit card information with you and this has caused a malfunction in your system or something

please contact me 

terrible customer service

I updated my credit card after entering initial upgrade information...despite changing this information with dellvistaupgrade i have no new OS

i get spam emails from dell saying they will write soon.  

and of course the language barrier with indian support is just the cherry on top

thanks for nothing 

This is in reply to the Dell email I got today advertising a One-Day-Only SALE which is offering this:

E521 System (super fast) with Vista Home Premium

250.00 off one day only

So for the heck of it I configured it to my exact system specs. 100.00 some dollars less than I paid for it. Bought it 11/17/06. Redeemed my express upgrade 11/29/06. Still no upgrade!

This email really put a crawl under my skin. What is the status of the upgrades for the whitelisted systems that Dell has not taken responsibility for. Nvidia and Microsoft aside, step up to the plate Dell and honor your commitments to us

The Microsoft Windows Vista Software Kits orders are shipping in the order that is most convenient to us, and we expect to ship all of the pre-ordered Vista Upgrade units to  all the important countries by tomorrow, and yours by  Christmas, 2007.

An email may also be sent including the carrier tracking number once your Express Upgrade to Windows Vista has  actually been shipped (Dell recommends that customers don't hold their breath).

I just upgraded my Dell 4600 to VISTA Ultimate, based on Dell's Upgrade advise.  Their was no mention that there would be any sound car issues, let alone that my sound card would not work at all!  $275.00 to junk out my Dell.  Thanks for the very poor advice.  Now...how do I get my SB Live 5.1 card FULLY working again?

Lionel,

 In your response in the Windows Vista "Direct2Dell" blog you finally admit to two things I have been constantly saying for months:

1. This was NOT "first-in-first-out" for many of us no matter what official Dell spokespersons said (Jackie, for one) and;

2. Some systems were "white listed" like I had also been saying all along (read: E521 and the nVidia driver response).

Now, since you're finally communicating with us and have been allowed or informed of the true reasons for all of this, what is the problem with the XPS 410 with the RAID arrays set to "on?" Mine has Dell's "Datasafe" option with 2 hard drives set in a RAID 1 array and a partition on the "C" drive. Has Dell figured out the problem with Vista and the Intel chipsets/Matrix Manager drivers for these and included the drivers/fixes on the Dell Assistant CD or do we have to still use ChandlerL's solution/workaround?

Honesty and communication is like a "breath of fresh air" finally. Still waiting for my Vista Home Premium upgrade disks which I registered for on November 29, 2006.

 Mike

Lionel,

re: Today's Blog Entry:

Thank you Lionel for the update. All that we have asked is to be kept "in the loop" so to say. Any information is better than no information, don't you think?

So basically it is a NVIDIA issue and the fact that Dell has to support this process, not Microsoft. Fair enough. Dell could have just informed us instead of this utterly ridiculous ritual of us (Dell customers) doing this song and dance with Dell requesting information about your product that we purchased and are entitled to. I hope this is a lesson learned about Dell's customer service image that at the moment needs a little polishing up. This is meant for the higher-ups in Dell's food chain that have tied your hands in this situation you've had to deal with. Nothing personal Lionel, I hope it is not taken as such.

Thanks again Lionel and keep us posted.

Hrm.

 Got this E520 with the express upgrade option in November.  I had no idea there was a timeline involved with somehow redeeming something online to get it; I assumed I'd get something in the mail or via email.

 Imagine my surprise when I finally went to look into it today and found out there was a deadline for 'redeeming' this thing and now am not going to get my copy of Vista.

 Brilliant marketing scheme, Dell, maybe I'll try someone else next time.  I feel defrauded and lied to.

Ordered my UK Vista upgrade on-line back on December 2006 for my E520. Still 'In Progress'. Site says all upgrades will be shipped by May. Hmmmm. Give it two weeks and I bet that will change to July.  Dell say the delay to my order is 'strange' and tell me it's down to Zomax. Zomax say otherwise. Do I really care who is to blame? Couldn't care less. Nope - I just want the Vista DVD I ordered in December 2006 for my E520 ordered in November and I'd like it now. Thanks Lionel.

Lionel: E521 Bios situation

What happened to version 1.1.5? It's gone I guess

New Dell Upgrade Advisor (ver 1.65) does not mention bios update at all for Vista

On driver site ver 1.1.4 is now optional.

Is 1.1.4 now functional for Vista upgrade? Will 1.0.3 work?

                                                                 Thank You

                                                                  Kevin

Okay Lionel,

Pardon me for getting angry but this has been enough.  If we had just started on Monday asking for information about the E521 then I'd understand. However we've been asking for weeks and have heard nothing but canned responses and untruths from Dell.  To learn that there are issues for the E521 means that Dell knows the issues for the E521.  Just get the information to us.

 We're tired of any Dell employee making promises to us that aren't kept. It doesn't matter if its promised Vista delivery in 4-6 weeks, promised phone calls that never happen or promises that information will be shared in a certain time frame that doesn't happen. 

You still have a day to make good. I suggest you do what you said you'd do.

Ok, so let me see if I have this correct.  Our Vista upgrades will ship:

4-8 weeks after Vista is made generally available...I mean by mid-April...I mean by the end of May.

Come on...how about before Microsoft's next version of Windows comes out?

The only reason I bought my computer early (12-06) was because of the promise to be able to upgrade to Vista once it was made available.  If I would have known I wouldn't receive Vista for 6 months (remember, it's suppose to ship by the end of May...who knows how long it will take to get to me) I would have waited the extra 30 days to buy a laptop pre-loaded with it.  The day Vista was made available (Jan 30th), Dell was selling  computers with Vista on it...what's the hold-up?

Seriously.
 

I have no idea what to do now.  I received a shipped order email on my Vista Upgrade. This is for an order orginally placed in December for a Vista Upgrade on an XPS 410.  They took the 10.73 from my credit card.  They issued a tracking number for DHL.  The problem is that nothing ever shipped.  I checked with DHL and they insist that nothing with the designated tracking number has entered their system.  I see others here with the same problem.  I sent an email to Jackie, the Dell Customer Advocate--no response of any kind from her.   I called the Dell Vista Upgrade phone number and was told that they were much too busy to deal with me at the moment.  They took my phone number and told me that calls (I just love this line) would be returned in a "first called, first returned" basis.  Apparently this line is the new and improved Dell business model mantra.  Endless waiting is one thing, taking your money and then ignoring you is really adding injury to insult. The problem is I am really out of options as to what to do now.

Bought my pc last yr (like november) and did the update site right away... #V2020652. I did buy my PC  an XPS410 / Dimension9200 then because Dell told me i would recived my upgrade quick after the Vista release....  I dont have the E521 (with that soundcard who give problems). I repeat, i haveXPS410 / Dimension9200 with the Creative soundblaster X-music.

 It's almost mid april and nothing... Still in process... Oh yeah, now the page said all upgrade will be send by end of may.... Why should we believe Dell again... they just keep changing the delay for that...

The sad part, when i go online and check all drivers for my PC for Vista, i can see all of them. All available. So no excuses !!!!

So please send it now because if not, people will be tired and will go buy it in stores and send to Dell the bills.

Got: XPS410 or Dimension9200

Lionel,  You say:

Those words you quote are mine—not the company's. The honest truth is this: I've been focused on several technical discussions, not just the E521, and that's still the case.

That's part of the challenge I have to work through—balancing lots of incoming information on core issues readers like you raise and making sense of it all so that we can communicate details that mean something to customers. No matter what else is going on, it just takes time.

So, does this mean that there will be no update on the status of the E521 upgrades this week that you stated we would have? It sounds to me that you are distancing Dell away from your prior statement. If I am incorrect in my assumption please correct me. I need to determine what my next course of action will be in this matter.  Thank You

Ok we can wait longer i guess the website has changed its expected mid april shipping date to the end of may lets hope we get something by christmas. Oh those anyone here know of any problems with vista on the xps 710

Rob C -

 I agree this probably isn't all Dell's fault. But what I do fault Dell for is their poor communicaiton with thier customers.  After weeks of asking very specific questions about problems with the E521 and getting no answers, they indicate that these updates are being held up - but want to "get their heads" around the information before the tell us whats going on.  Honestly - if Dell knows something is up enough to hold up our upgrades then they know enough to inform us of the problems.

Dell has to support Vista because its OEM.  I understand that they can't afford to make a support nightmare for themselves.  I understand that they may not be able to ship our updates.  I do not understand their silence and the continued lie that orders are being shipped in the order they were recieved. It amazes me that they change the date on their order site from middle April to the end of May be leave the "first in first out" line in there.

Its beeen promised that we'll get answers this week.  I hope they follow through this time.

My DHL Tracking Number does not work and I recieved it last week.

 Reply.

Mine was bought in November, and entered then.  I am still "IN PROCESS". 

I am not really that worried about having the upgrade now but it is amusing how the companies are dealing with information and support on this.  Frankly Vista is still being updated and tweaked and my XP Media edition is running everything just fine.  I am curious to see Vista, though, but not enough to rant about it yet!

One thing to consider...I don't think this is all Dell's fault.  In reading about the Express upgrade process, it looks like most hardware companies are in the same boat (HP, Sony, etc).  I would think Microsoft and the supplier (ModusLink) should be held jsut as accountable as I believe Dell's hands may be tied according to news reports.

Vista Premium Home, English, confirmation on 2 C521's on 8 Jan 2007. Pending status changed to IN Process (still pending as far as I am concerned) for last week or so. I stayed off the posts all this time because I didn't want to clutter it up with useless ranting. But, now, I'VE HAD ENOUGH! I bought my systems thru QVC and even if DELL won't back their promises, I know that QVC will. Once I clean the systems back to OEM and remove the additional RAM, they will be returned to QVC. QVC talks extremely well about DELL and the relationship between the two companies. What I am asking the readers of this post to do (since talking to DELL doesn't produce results) is to find the DELL Computer Workshop airings on QVC and call in and express the disgust with with this whole upgrade program to the DELL rep (snake oil salesman) that is ALWAYS on the show. I will be doing the same. Maybe hurting their sales on global TV will make some one stand up and notice us!   KEV, retired Army, Sierra Vista, AZ 

Your order for the Windows Vista Upgrade has shipped!

 Ok, My status has changed and I have recieved an email. 

It provides me with a DHL tracking number, I go to the DHL website...

 BAM

Tracking number not found. Please check your number and resubmit or try back later.

That was useful...

Don't worry everybody, just because it says shipped, Doesn't mean that I will be one to forget the scam that Dell has put us through.

I saw on the Dell forums that they are finally admitting to problems with the E521 and the upgrade.

Are they still planning on getting us the upgrade?  I only purchased the E521 because it had the "express upgrade" and I need to try Vista out for my company.  I would have purchased another model if I had known this problem existed.

Don't Blame Only DELL!

Blame all the other incompetent computer manufactures who just wanted to push X-mas sales too. I have an HP Media Center. Ordered upgrade in November. Order somehow got canceled in February. Replaced order. Now status keeps switching back and forth from To-Be-Determined to Pending.

I installed Vista RC1 when I bought my "Vista Ready" PC in November.

IT WAS NOT VISTA READY! OR VISA VERSA.

DELL, HP, Gateway ect. would not be able to recover from what would be the worst tech support quagmire in history if they sent out what they had on hand at the VISTA roll out date.

They all missed they're deadlines set forth by Microsoft. They're using ModusLink as a patsy to shift blame. And for the right price ModusLink will accept blame and ridicule.

It's sad that these huge corporations can't speak to the humans anymore and simply say, "Hold on Dudes, we ain't done yet".  

In the least it will be a Motherboard replacement for those of us that wanted a Vista PC, and bought it for that specific reason, and bought the Dimension 521 with the Vista Upgrade for that specific reason.

We clearly were promised Vista upgrades when we ordered in November. I have "Free Upgrade to Windows Vista" on my purchase reciept and I have the vista order confirmation.

 If these systems aren't supported by Vista, Dell had better be replacing them with systems configured the same that are supported.

I was just reading Sunday's paper, couldn't help to notice full page ad in the Parade Magazine for the E521 system. Points noted are as follows:

1. Free upgrade to Vista Premium

2. Vista not being offered on new purchases for this system

3. Vista was being offered as option at initial rollout, now it is not

4. Disclaimer about Vista availability on bottom of page in fine print.

5."Vista has not been tested on all user configurations, and drivers may not be available for some hardware or software"

6. #5  What exactually does this mean?

If this was known in Nov 2006, what are you telling the consumer? It seems to me Dell's advertising policies need some work, as well as their accounting procedures. Any response would be appreaciated. Thank You

Lionel -

On March 26th you said:

"Kevin: I'll take responsibility for that... my apologies. Didn't remember the issues you had raised on the E521 before when I responded yesterday. Please give me a bit more time to look into the other things and I'll get back to you."

Lionel,

It must be a great job to just sit back while everyone is becoming more and more exasperated and angry and not address any of these issues! People who paid good money for a promise of something have not received it! Especially, people who paid good money and registered right away (November 29, 2006, to be exact). Yet, from you, nothing. No explanation; no reason for this enormous fiasco, NOTHING! Pure stonewall on your part (and others from Dell). Just the inane e-mails stating your company line of "first-in-first-out" which is a blatant, nonsensical lie.

I was thinking that if I performed my job with my patients like you are performing yours, the university would fire me in a heartbeat. But then, after more consideration, perhaps it is Dell who is telling you to stonewall and not say anything. In that case, you may well be feeling our frustration and anger and know whatever the facts are in this totally incompetent episode. You would just be 'the messenger" and everyone is trying to blame you.

Either way, it's truly a sad commentary on a company which was once one of the best; especially for their reputation of customer service. Everything changes and so did Dell but not for the better. Most of us will look to another company when it comes time to purchase again; I know I will!

This fiasco has gone on so long that when (and if) the disks arrive it will be like the song "It's a Little Too Late to Do the Right Thing Now." I'm not even sure anymore that I will attempt to upgrade seeing how this was handled and reading all the horror stories on the Community Form.

Hi everybody,

I bought a E520 during the third week of january, completed the express upgrade forms 23th of january, and received my DHL tracking number today by mail.

It was an order for the french version and it's shipped to france.

Just to keep french customers informed : your order should be processed soon if it's still not the case.

 
bricos 

Hi Lionel. I'd like to pick up on the Creative Audigy topic.

 
I purchased a dimension 5150/E510 back in April 2006. It's been a great machine, but in Nov I moved full time over to Vista x64 (RTM license from MS).

 Basic sound works, but I lost my EAX capability. Frustratingly prior to this I thought/assumed I had purchased a HARDWARE upgrade - - this was how it was made out (IMO) on the dell site. It was only later that I found out it was a sw license. (that annoyed me somewhat)

 Now I'm trying to figure out how to regain the EAX. I've been following the boards/blogs, but

 a) The license key I have printed on my Audigy CD provided in the package begins CT0DEM - creative tell me this is demo and not a valid license - although dell support assure me it is (although it's for XP) and I was able to activate the sw... just not sure if it will expire since it doesn't work (fails later in install)

 b) Is there a vista version of the driver available for us earlier purchasers that we can use with our existing keys?

Note - I have my vista license, just want to workaround the EAX which was IMO sold as an hardware upgrade.

Thanks

Nigel.
 

So has anything happened in the past couple of weeks

It seems now that USA and Canada are out of the way, no one has reported getting their upgrades

Has anyone received their upgrades in the past 2 weeks, especially if you're outside North America?

So, since 2/28 no updates of substance on Vista given here,  since 3/15 nothing on the Dell Forum...    And yet when you call you different stories,  none of which match up,  seems the phone agents are making it up as they go.       

First come First Serve myth has be completely busted by comments on this board.

 XPS Motherboard replacement and the Audigy issue seem to be "more important".

 The Dell EX.P.R.E.S.S. (EXcruitaing Painful, Really Exasperating Stupendously Slow)  Vista Upgrade should be the BIGGEST issue to be addressed, but no where can anyone give REGULAR updates on the progress.

 Once again,  Can I please get a phone #/Email to contact someone on the executive management team?  Or at least Mid-Level Management officed in the UNITED STATES?

What amazes me is that they obviously have people who review these posts and read the forum but still they don't answer simple questions. It must be apathy on their part. One of my responsiblities is for the technical support of my company's services.  Believe me, I care when people can so easily voice concerns about poor service and we jump each issue to make sure the customer is happy.  Dell doesn't seem to care.

 Dell must think this won't affect them. I beg to differ.

TO DAN,

It took me about 6 weeks to update my credit card info. Updating on the website (6 times), Customer Advocate's involvement (no results), and numerous blog and DCF posts produced no results. I then went through the unresolved issues routine (which I was totally ignored). I then took other measures which finally yielded results in updating my credit card info. Further actions pertaining to my upgrade delay have been updated, documented, and forwarded to the parties involved.

I have been registered for my express upgrade since 11/29/06.

Harry and Dan -

I agree completely,  and to hear 5 totally different answers/excuses/promises from 5 different sources, is ridiculous.

 And to NEVER be able to speak to someone in the US, as there is supposedly "no way to transfer" or "I know of no #"

 does anyone know a contact #/email   for executive level complaints?   I bet they have no clue as to how much apathy/anger is building in the CUSTOMER base,   which in this day and age, customer retention is the name of the game,  keep them happy and they come back,  anger them,  and they dont come back,  and they keep people from buying as well.

Its sad, but you must conclude that Dell no longer values customer service. I'd be interested in knowing from Bill if someone from customer care really contacted you about your credit card issue.

 Robin's comments seem very typical. Dell is making service commitments that they're not following through on.  Please are making honest inquires and receiving canned responses that even Dell knows are incorrect.

Most of our queries go unanswered.

If you understand the consumer computer business at all you know margins are very thin.  Companies distinguish themselves on service. If Dell doesn't setup up their customer services it would not surprise me if they soon lose their place as major consumer computer player.

 And it wouldn't be difficult.  Just give customers honest answers to their questions and be responsive.  Hearing bad news is better to us than hearing nothing and receiving promises that are never kept.

I received a new COA#, from the Advocate (3-9-07), to register my computer. When trying to complete my transaction I got some script error.  I contacted dell, as suggested by the Advocate to see if my info could be retrieved.  Of course I got the " we will call you in 3-7 days...".  I emailed the Advocate to let her know that I had not heard from deal in the alotted time. She said she would contact them for me. I have had no reply from her.I have emailed her ......Twice (3-20 and 3-23) and have gotten no response as of today (3-27-07). I have been trying to register on the upgarde site since the beginning of Jan. 07 and I received my computer in Dec. 06.  This is plan ridiculous!!!!  Will there be an extension on registering since the deadline is approaching????

Please have someone contact me regarding this matter.

Thank you

Not only has Dell scammed us, they have now started to ignore us. I have had enough of this apathetic attitude towards your customers.

1) Dell needs to compensate with discounts or refunds for the time and money wasted.

2) Dell needs to start telling the truth and give DETAILS about the delay.

3) Dell needs to formally apologize and accept blame.  

Users that are upset with the misconception and delay:

We should unite, form a community AGAINST Dell and it's lies. 

Please, do not let this pass.

Obviously Dell has been ignoring us.

Obviously, when Dell customers receive their promised product, the company will believe this is all forgotten. This is their attitude, this is their customer service. 

Dell's indifference has gone too far.

Knowledgeable, we have the responsibility of taking action.

 -----------

We are looking for users that feel the same way.

If you are interested, reply.

Dear Lionel,

I was giving you the benefit of the doubt, but have had no reply as of yet. Since you are the only one at Dell that is addressing my concerns, where is my E521 vista upgrade? What's wrong with my system?  Thank You

I am having the same problems as most other people, my COA says already been used, cannot even get Dell to start shipping my promised upgrade. 

Over the past 4 weeks I have made numerous calls to Dell's "Customer Service" people and "Customer Care" people who keep me on a merry-go-round circuit of phone calls.  At one point I was promised a new COA number to get my upgrade shipped, but to date nothing has materialized and now the March 31st deadline is near.

I am very frustrated with the lack of help from Dell and seriously doubt that I would purchase another Dell in future, nor would I recommend Dell to others.  All of our computers at work are Dell but I have been speaking with our tech support person and she feels that they may wish to cease purchasing Dell's if this is the level of Customer Care that they are going to receive.

I NEED HELP NOW PLEASE!!!!

I've been following this blog for the past few days as I have been searching high and low for any insight on when I can expect my Dell Express Upgrade to ship for my Inspiron 9400.  I submitted my information on 12/27/06 and I too am frustrated that others who have admittedly done so months later have already received their Vista discs.

Here's my theory on the whole thing:  The company handling the upgrades is the only one who does know the actual time frame which is why Dell gives the same erroneous First-In-First-Out / 4-8 weeks information.  I also believe that all the US orders are being filled first, then the foreign orders (I am in the US Virgin Islands).  Anyone outside the US receive Vista yet?

I SPENT 4000, STILL NO VISTA UPGRADE. REDEEMED MID DEC

I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT ASUS AND WITH THE REMAINING CASH BOUGH VISTA ULTIMATE 64 BIT.

Andy -

I have no clue.  I know people who registered for their Vista upgrade after you did that have it already. Alot of us who registered early are still waiting.  Thats why its so frustrating to get the "shipping in the order recieved" message from Dell.

Andy -

 I would ask for a copy of the licence agreement to make sure.  If its OEM then its tied to the machine and you can't legally install it on another machine.

 However, the retail Vista licenses do have transfer rights.  So you could purchase a retal license, install it on your machine and transfer it to another machine when (and if) your update ever gets to you from Dell.

 Its a hassle, but Microsoft is very restrictive with OEM licenses. In the Windows 95 days my company purchased a bunch of computers.  Rather than set them up one at a time, we set one up, created an image of that one that we copied to all the other computers.  We unknowingly violated the OEM aggreement.  We've since moved to Microsoft Software Assurance.

You know what is annoying me. Is the people who come on here and say I've waited 2-3 weeks and still no upgrade and I want it ASAP.

Maybe try waiting nearly 3 months or for some 3 months +?!!!!! and still no upgrade.

If it was really first in/first out my JANUARY order would have been sent out a long time ago. Just like Kevin stated about the E521's is there some sort of issue with the 640M's or have I struck total incompetence when it comes to processing orders in the way they were submitted?
 

I posted on the 23rd and saw no reply, thought I would ask again:

"Submitted my express upgrade back on Jan. 23rd and I am seeing on here that people who ordered in February have gotten their disks, is there a projected time frame for the order?

If I get tired of waiting and actually go out and buy a Vista disk, will I be able to then use this "express" disk on another PC, or will it be one that can only be used on the Dell PC?"

If it can only be used on the original dell pc, then I will have to wait, because I can't be wasting the company's money.  If I can insta